Just in case you missed any news in November 2016, these were the 10 most read articles on bariatricnews.net including the latest research, product & industry news, policy news and more...

Bariatric patients who stick to a schedule of three-, six- and 12-month follow-up visits with their doctors see greater improvements or remission of their diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than patients who skip their visits, according to research presented at ObesityWeek 2016. The paper, “The effect of close postoperative follow-up on comorbidity improvement after bariatric surgery,” was presented by researchers from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC…(more)

Bariatric surgery improves factors that underlie fertility and pregnancy outcomes, according to the findings from a study by researchers from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. The paper published in the journal Obesity Surgery, also called for a prospective study to demonstrate that these factors effect translates into a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes…(more)

Although the Roux-en Y gastric laparoscopic bypass is associated with long-term weight loss, some patients will regain weight due to an enlarged pouch and/or stoma . In an interview with Bariatric News, Dr Jan Willem Greve from the Zuyderland Medical Center Heerlen and Dutch Obesity Clinic South, The Netherlands, discusses the reasons why patients experience weight regain, the advantages of a banded bypass and the benefits of using the MiniMizer Ring (Bariatric Solutions)…(more)

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have shown in mice that gut microbiome play an unexpectedly important role in exacerbated post-dieting weight gain, and that this common phenomenon may in the future be prevented or treated by altering the composition or function of the microbiome. The study was performed by research teams headed by Dr Eran Elinav of the Immunology Department and Professor Eran Segal of the Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Department. The researchers found that after a cycle of gaining and losing weight, all the mice's body systems fully reverted to normal – except the microbiome. For about six months after losing weight, post-obese mice retained an abnormal ‘obese’ microbiome. The research, ‘Persistent microbiome alterations modulate the rate of post-dieting weight regain’, is published in the journal Nature…(more)

Patients with severe obesity who have gastric bypass surgery reduce their risk of dying from obesity and other diseases by 48 percent up to ten years after surgery, compared to similar patients who do not undergo the procedure, according to research presented at ObesityWeek 2016. Researchers from the Geisinger Health System reported that the biggest reduction in risk occurred in patients 60 years or older at the time of surgery and in patients who had diabetes before surgery…(more)

Patients with obesity treated with the Obalon gas-filled balloon capsules designed to help them eat less, lost 1.9 times more weight than patients who relied on diet, exercise and lifestyle therapy alone, according to research presented at ObesityWeek 2016. The study, “A 6-month Swallowable Balloon System Results in Sustainable Weight Loss at 1 Year: Results from a Prospective, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial,” were presented by Dr Aurora Pryor, study co-author and Chief Bariatric, Foregut and Advanced GI Surgery, Stony Brook University…(more)

Apollo Endosurgery has announced the completion of the Lap-Band AP Adjustable Gastric Band HERO (Helping Evaluate Reduction in Obesity) post-approval study. This study was initiated in June 2009 as part of the FDA’s condition of approval for the Lap-Band System in the US. The HERO Study was a multi-centre, prospective, non-randomised study of 652 enrolled patients in the US and Canada. Patients were required to have either a baseline body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe co-morbid conditions, or be at least 100 pounds (45.4kg) over their estimated ideal weight…(more)

Bariatric surgery and other treatments that cause substantial weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of heart failure in obese patients, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016. Researchers compared 25,804 bariatric surgery patients in a Scandinavian obesity surgery registry to 13,701 Swedish nationwide registry patients who used an intensive structured lifestyle-modification programme…(more)

Bariatric surgery improve occupational outcomes by reducing levels of unemployment and absenteeism, according to researchers from the University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK. However, in their literature review, they caution that the evidence is limited and further studies are needed before any conclusions can be made on the wider economic, social and psychological benefits of bariatric surgery…(more)

Improving health insurance coverage for weight loss services could help people struggling with obesity lose weight, according to a survey of non-physician health professionals (HPs). It is believed to be the first study to examine HPs perspectives of insurance coverage as a facilitator or barrier for weight loss. In addition to current insurance coverage being perceived as a barrier, a second study found that three out of four patients are affected by obesity or overweight, yet less than half (48%) of these patients with a BMI higher than 30 received a formal diagnosis of obesity…(more)